50 Motivational Quotes From Inspiring Women Leaders
The climb to the top can be tough going for anyone. But as women, there are particular hurdles that can make the journey upward toward positions of power and influence -- in myriad spheres -- especially challenging.
Here, in 50 inspiring quotes, businesswomen, role models, activists, entertainers, authors and politicians share their thoughts on leadership and success -- and what exactly those words mean to them.
Whether we're forging our own paths or following in the footsteps of those who've gone ahead, these trailblazers, innovators, explorers and disrupters can encourage, motivate and push us to reach new heights -- in business and in life.
Related: 6 Innovative Women to Watch
Estée Lauder, renowned for her personal touch with customers, once said, “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”
The former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi on intentions: "Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different. When you assume negative intent, you're angry. If you take away that anger and assume positive intent, you will be amazed. Your emotional quotient goes up because you are no longer almost random in your response."
Arianna Huffington, founder of Huffington Post and founder and CEO of Thrive Global, shared her thoughts on digital addiction: “'Restore connection’ is not just for devices, it is for people too. If we cannot disconnect, we cannot lead. Creating the culture of burnout is the opposite of creating a culture of sustainable creativity. This is something that needs to be taught in business schools. This mentality needs to be introduced as a leadership and performance-enhancing tool.”
Faye Wattleton, former President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, was the youngest, first woman and first African American to hold the position. She has been quoted saying, “The only safe ship in a storm is leadership.”
Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on the power of choice: “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes…and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.”
Dolly Parton has said, “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”
Chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments Abigail Johnson on maintaining hunger: “No matter how senior you get in an organization, no matter how well you're perceived to be doing, your job is never done.”
Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead has noted, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Entrepreneur, actress and producer Kristen Bell on being "selfish": “I try to participate in esteemable acts. I help people. I try to be kind and walk in the shoes of others. It’s really all selfish because it makes me feel great.”
Related: 5 Powerful Rules for Women Entrepreneurs to Live By
Aviation hero Amelia Earhart's philosophy: “There are two kinds of stones, as everyone knows, one of which rolls.”
Writer Margaret Wheatley noted, “Leadership is a series of behaviors rather than a role for heroes.”
Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, on employee relationships: “We treat our people like royalty. If you honor and serve the people who work for you, they will honor and serve you.”
Oprah Winfrey wants us all to take control of the wheel: “My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
One Kings Lane co-founder Alison Pincus on hiring: “Surround yourself with a trusted and loyal team. It makes all the difference.”
Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady, on leadership: "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be."
!["[D]reams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." -- Shonda Rhimes](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/content/3x2/2000/20170731091218-handshake-agreement.jpeg?width=1000)
Entertainment powerhouse Shonda Rhimes on making your mark: "Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change."
Motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant on focusing your energy on the positive: "The only way to get what you really want is to let go of what you don't want.”
!["[P]eople become motivated when you guide them to the source of their own power and when you make heroes out of employees who personify what you want to see in the organization.” -- Anita Roddick](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/content/3x2/2000/20150630174241-eye-blink-woman-guidance-look.jpeg?width=1000)
Ginni Rometty, chair, President and CEO of IBM says that our comfort zones are wildly over-rated: “I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, is empowered by the unknown: “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”
J.K Rowling says the ball is in our court: “It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
Ana Patricia Botín, Executive Chair of Banco Santander explained of her drive for new initiatives: "Being different is critical."